calcification, the immune system, combined with the parasite walling off the infection. the parasite itself secretes chemicals to suppress the local immune system, thats why you dont see massive immune response to so many. if the parasites suddenly die it can be a problem for the host. theres also studies going on that non-deadly parasites are result of modulating autoimmune diseases as well.
Comment on PSA: WASH YOUR HANDS
Sterile_Technique@lemmy.world 1 week ago
…what’s actually making the cysts radiopaque? I wouldn’t have guessed tape worms or the damage they’re doing to soft tissue to be anywhere near that visible on x-ray
Tollana1234567@lemmy.today 1 week ago
SacralPlexus@lemmy.world 1 week ago
With a lot of parasites, when they die the tissue around them calcifies (just your body’s response). That’s what we are seeing on the radiograph.
Sterile_Technique@lemmy.world 1 week ago
That makes a ton more sense - thank you!
Ziglin@lemmy.world 1 week ago
I would have assumed that perhaps it was a tracer at first.